For whatever reason, either extreme poverty, bad advice or just plain bad luck, you find yourself the proud (?) possessor of a set. Unless you have the devil's own luck, you won't be able to sound right without some work (if at all).
You've got some maintenance ahead of you. But first, an evaluation of the pipes you've got. Critics will say that the things are ninety percent garbage. It's rare that they can be well set up. They may not be bored all the way through, or not bored straight, or cracked (or will crack), or any number of other defects that you'll have to correct. You'll spend money on something that's going to be extremely frustrating and make you want to quit, or necessitate upgrading in a year or two, when there are decent alternatives (such as pre-owned pipes, low-end better made new pipes) available for only a little more money. If you're going to play the pipes, you need pipes that will play, even in "casual/informal" settings. You don't want to play, even casually, on an instrument that is untunable at best, and unbearable at worst.
Some estimated costs involved in upgrading: plastic "real" chanter $75 used, EZs or Wygents or other synthetics $50, new bag $60. Tying in a new leather or sheepskin bag is a daunting prospect for the beginner, as they aren't familiar with the process. Until you do that, the things won't even hold air, let alone sound good. That's $185 for the essential stuff. Optional or as-needed upgrades: plastic blowpipe and stock $80, better bagcover & cords $40 used. That's $120 more. You'll probably going to pay $200-$300 for a set of Pakis, and spend $200 more getting them playable and good-sounding. Maybe $120 more than that. By now you're into them for almost $600. (Which, incidentally, is what you'll pay for a low-end set from a reputable dealer of pipes made in Scotland.)
It's recommended that you consider Paki pipes only under two circumstances: you are so poor that the choice is between Paki pipes and no pipes, or you are so unsure of your fitness to be a piper that you doesn't want to invest in a good quality set. Even then, I would state as a FACT that Paki chanters, bags, and reeds are of such poor quality that the buyer should expect to purchase these items to add to your Paki pipes. If you do not fit into one of these categories, buy a used set or a new set. Dunbar, Pettigrew, and Booth are presently the most price competitive of new pipes.
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